Rain Smith

A Kingsport couple have been arrested after allegedly calling a cell phone — recently seized by vice detectives in another investigation — and attempting to purchase crack cocaine.

The phone supposedly rang "numerous times" before police answered, speaking with a woman who requested "a $100 rock." A locale was set up for the transaction, with police approaching the suspects and arresting them.

Carrie A. Mathews, 35, and James Madison Mathews, 37, both of 3401 Glen Alpine Road, were charged in the incident. It occurred at about 6 p.m. Friday.

According to an arrest report, Kingsport police were working a separate drug investigation. They had seized a cell phone which continued to ring, with an officer eventually answering.

Police say they put the call on speaker phone. A woman on the other end allegedly asked, "can I get a $100 rock," with police then questioning where she wanted to meet. She put her husband on the phone, according to the report, who arranged to make the deal at the BP station on Sullivan Gardens Parkway.

When the couple arrived at the gas station they were confronted by police. An arrest report says two crack pipes were found in their vehicle, beneath the passenger seat.

The Mathews were arrested and charged with attempt to purchase schedule II drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

James Mathews allegedly admitted they were there to purchase $100 worth of crack cocaine.